1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The year is not directly specified but the play was influenced in 1915. The majority of the play takes place in Mrs. Wright’s kitchen. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters introduces the stasis of this play, which is the inequality in women’s rights and intuitions.
2. What is the intrusion? Ie. What causes the dramatic action to race toward the end of the play?
The intrusion happens when Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters find the dead bird. This find would conclude all their suspicions and findings.
3. What is the unique factor? Ie. Why has the playwright decided to choose this moment in time to move the dramatic action forward?
I believe the unique factor to be the jar of Cherries. Although an ordinary item, it had a great deal of significance and meaning. It was an indicator of what had happened and why she did it.
4. What is the dramatic question that is to be answered by the end of the play?
The dramatic question at the beginning of the play is will the team of investigators find John Wright’s killer? And was it the wife that did it?
5. There are many forwards that are designed to raise and hold your interest? Identify a few of them below.
The first forward is when Mr. Hale tells the story of when he first met with Mrs. Wright. The second is when we find the quilt. The last one would be when the two ladies found the dead bird in the box.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment in the play is at the very end when the ladies are trying to conceal the dead bird as the attorney and sheriff approach. They did a very good job in grabbing my attention and keeping me engaged in reading the play.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gender roles, women inequalities, mystery, deception, secrecy.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
They ultimately want to solve the mystery at hand. The Attorney, Sherriff, and Mr. Hale are trying to find clues as to who, what, where, and when. When Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale get an insight as to who might have done it, they refrain from telling the men to keep the dignity and purpose for Mrs. Wright.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
The Jar of Cherries which was intact meant Minnie herself alone and unbroken until the coldness of her relationship broke her. The bird also signified Minnie which was a substitute of her solidarity. The bird's voice was her voice until it was choked and silenced by her husband. The quilt and the in particular “knot it” verse, which conveyed the action of tying the rope around the man’s neck and since it was only the women who knew, they kept the bond among women as the essential knot.
10. Briefly, define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Even though marriage is a strong bond, the sense of pride and bond between women is stronger in this play. Mrs. Hale would not tell her husband what she knew neither would the Sherriff’s wife Mrs. Peters.
1/14/2017
Richmond Theater 2110
Trifles Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The year is not directly specified but the play was influenced in 1915. The majority of the play takes place in Mrs. Wright’s kitchen. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters introduces the stasis of this play, which is the inequality in women’s rights and intuitions.
2. What is the intrusion? Ie. What causes the dramatic action to race toward the end of the play?
The intrusion happens when Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters find the dead bird. This find would conclude all their suspicions and findings.
3. What is the unique factor? Ie. Why has the playwright decided to choose this moment in time to move the dramatic action forward?
I believe the unique factor to be the jar of Cherries. Although an ordinary item, it had a great deal of significance and meaning. It was an indicator of what had happened and why she did it.
4. What is the dramatic question that is to be answered by the end of the play?
The dramatic question at the beginning of the play is will the team of investigators find John Wright’s killer? And was it the wife that did it?
5. There are many forwards that are designed to raise and hold your interest? Identify a few of them below.
The first forward is when Mr. Hale tells the story of when he first met with Mrs. Wright. The second is when we find the quilt. The last one would be when the two ladies found the dead bird in the box.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment in the play is at the very end when the ladies are trying to conceal the dead bird as the attorney and sheriff approach. They did a very good job in grabbing my attention and keeping me engaged in reading the play.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gender roles, women inequalities, mystery, deception, secrecy.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
They ultimately want to solve the mystery at hand. The Attorney, Sherriff, and Mr. Hale are trying to find clues as to who, what, where, and when. When Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale get an insight as to who might have done it, they refrain from telling the men to keep the dignity and purpose for Mrs. Wright.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
The Jar of Cherries which was intact meant Minnie herself alone and unbroken until the coldness of her relationship broke her. The bird also signified Minnie which was a substitute of her solidarity. The bird's voice was her voice until it was choked and silenced by her husband. The quilt and the in particular “knot it” verse, which conveyed the action of tying the rope around the man’s neck and since it was only the women who knew, they kept the bond among women as the essential knot.
10. Briefly, define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Even though marriage is a strong bond, the sense of pride and bond between women is stronger in this play. Mrs. Hale would not tell her husband what she knew neither would the Sherriff’s wife Mrs. Peters.